Advertisement

150th Anniversary History Tours May 28 at 4 of PdC’s historic locations

Error message

  • Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 133 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to get property 'settings' of non-object in _simpleads_adgroup_settings() (line 343 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 157 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in include() (line 24 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/templates/simpleads_ajax_call.tpl.php).

Four historic sites in Prairie du Chien will host 150th Anniversary Tours Saturday, May 28, in celebration of the city’s sesquicentennial birthday, which was officially Feb. 21.

Fort Crawford Museum, Villa Louis Historic Site, the Crawford County Dungeon and St. Germain dit Gauthier House will be open for tours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special programs throughtout the day. There will be admission charges at the Villa Louis and Fort Crawford, but pick up your 150th Anniversary Tour punch card at any of the four locations for a chance to be entered into a drawing. 

The Fort will feature an exhibit on the 150th anniversary of Prairie du Chien’s incorporation, titled, “Peek into Prairie’s Past,” located in the Museum of Prairie du Chien on site. It will include early items and photos at the time of incorporation and events over the past 150 years. It will showcase artifacts recently donated to the Prairie du Chien Historical Society that demonstrate the society’s mission in preserving items related to the city’s past.

Celebrate the National Historic Landmark, Villa Louis, in its 70th year as a Wisconsin Historic Site. Walk through the Dousman family’s lavish home while listening to melodies played on the Steinway grand piano. Enjoy historic treats in the Villa Louis kitchen. Guides will be stationed throughout the mansion so visitors may tour at their own pace. Bring the family out to play the games of yesteryear on the west lawn. Carriage rides will also be offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for an additional fee.

Beneath the courthouse in Prairie du Chien lies a remnant of Old Crawford County that must have held its share of high drama in days long gone. Replacing an earlier jail—the 1843 territorial prison—the “Dungeon” was built in 1867, This facility served the county for over 50 years and is believed to be the oldest surviving jail in Wisconsin. Costumed interpreters will be on site. 

Experience the French-Canadian history and culture of early Prairie du Chien at the St. Germain dit Gauthier House. Built in the 1830s of hewn logs, the house has been restored and owned by the Prairie du Chien Historical Society. Based upon an 1840 inventory, the house is furnished with French-Canadian pieces made in the upper Mississipi and Quebec. Voyageur soup, simmering over an open fire, and cornbread biscuits await visitors. Costumed interpreters will also welcome people here. 

These history tours are sponsored by the Villa Louis, historical society, Prairie du Chien Main Street, Prairie du Chien area Chamber of Commerce and its tourism council. 

Rate this article: 
No votes yet